ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque leaders say rising grocery and utility costs push more families to rely on credit cards as they look for ways through an affordability crisis.
The City of Albuquerque teamed up with community leaders this week to guide New Mexicans on financial literacy. On Monday, panelists discussed how families can change their own spending habits.
The talks are happening at the AFT New Mexico offices on Jefferson Street.
Speakers on the panel on Monday pointed to the gap between wealth in New Mexico and residents struggling to afford groceries.
Albuquerque City Councilor Stephanie Telles said credit cards have become a crutch for many residents and said the city needs to do more to help.
“Credit card spending is through the roof and it is because people can’t afford to buy things that they need and I guarantee you if you look at those credit card bills its groceries and its utility bills,” Telles said.
Telles said the state can also take a page from the panel in making sure state-funded projects spend money efficiently.
Upcoming events
- Policy Briefing on Consumer Debt and Affordability
- When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
- Where: AFT New Mexico Offices, 530 Jefferson St., Albuquerque, NM, 87108
- Student Debt Borrower Clinic
- When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 4 PM – 5:30 PM
- Where: AFT New Mexico Offices, 530 Jefferson St., Albuquerque, NM, 87108
